Experimental investigation of crack growth direction in multiple cracks

In this paper, the interaction between multiple cracks in crack growth direction is studied in an aluminium alloy under static and fatigue loading. Self similar as well as non-self-similar crack growth has been observed which depends on the relative crack positions defined by crack offset distance and crack tip distance. On the basis of experimental observations, the criterion for crack coalescence and crack growth direction are expressed in terms of the crack positions defined by crack offset and crack tip distances. The criterion presented in this study can be used to determine the limiting value of crack tip and crack offset distance and to determine the mode in which cracks coalesce during their growth process. Experimental results and crack interaction criterion presented under various crack positions and size conditions could be used to derive a new evaluation method of crack growth in multiple crack geometry.